I had one from around that time, maybe an 04. Still see it driving around town sometimes. It was a beast in the snow.
That’s awesome! I need something reliable for snow since winters here get pretty rough.
I had an 04 too, loved that thing.
The 4.0L V6 has timing chain issues. If the timing chain tensioners or guides fail, it can wreck the engine. Watch for oil leaks or low oil levels, and listen for chain noise on startup. Also, these transmissions are known to wear out, especially if they haven’t been maintained. If you’re buying it, keep an eye on maintenance and maybe replace the thermostat housing with an all-metal aftermarket one—it’s only about $50 and saves headaches.
It’s a reliable powertrain overall, but hard to say without knowing how it’s been treated.
Mine’s at 215k miles, but the transmission is starting to slip in reverse. It’s been a solid vehicle otherwise.
That’s a solid run! This one has much lower mileage. I’ll check it out and let you all know how it goes.
For $1000, it’s worth a shot. If it’s junk, you can scrap it and get some money back. Plus, you’ll learn a lot working on it.
Exactly. I could probably scrap it for $500-$700 if it’s a total loss. I have space now after selling my other projects, so I’ll give it a go.
That’s the spirit. I learned so much from fixing up old cars. Good luck, and YouTube will be your best friend!
Thanks! Hoping to get back to working in a shop soon once I recover from some injuries. Working on cars really pays off in life.
I have an 03 with 132k miles, and I love it. Best car I’ve owned.
Same! I’ve always wanted to own one of these. I’ll just buy it and see how it goes.
If it’s been well-maintained, you should be fine. Just check for rust—it’s the real killer for these trucks.
Good point. The current owner takes great care of it, but I’ll definitely inspect the frame carefully.
Watch out for timing chain noise during cold starts. If it’s rattling, avoid it—it’s a costly fix since the engine has to be pulled.
Thanks for the heads-up! I’ll definitely listen for that when I check it out.
I had an 04 that needed a new transmission around 180k miles, but it hadn’t been serviced before. Bearings wore out a lot too. Still, for $1000, you’ll probably get a few good years. If mine hadn’t been wrecked, I’d still be driving it.
Sounds like it served you well! For $1000, I think it’s worth the risk. I’ll check it over and report back.